Each week of the 2025 NFL season delivers critical usage shifts that can make or break your fantasy football lineup, with snap counts, touches, and targets revealing emerging stars and changing roles. From running backs seizing workhorse duties to wide receivers and tight ends capitalizing on new opportunities, we break down 6-8 notable risers per position to guide your roster decisions and waiver wire moves.
Check out last week’s report: Week 8 Usage Report
Running Backs
- Rico Dowdle (CAR): Took over as starter with 72% snaps and 28 touches (25 carries for 130 yards, 2 TDs), abandoning drive rotation with Hubbard (22% snaps), establishing RB2 value the rest of the season.
- Devin Singletary (NYG): Led post-Skattebo IR with 56% snaps and 10 touches (more yards than Tracy Jr.’s 44%), handling goal-line, creating split but favoring Singletary as flex.
- Kyle Monangai (CHI): Debut as starting RB with 74% snaps and 31 touches (26 carries for 177 yards, 6.8 YPC) vs. Bengals’ weak D, positioning himself in a better position when D’Andre Swift returns from injury
- TreVeyon Henderson (NE): Started with Rhamondre Stevenson injured and finished with 75% snaps and 20 touches (14 carries), but Jennings stole red-zone TD. When Stevenson returns, Henderson will likely return to his old role.
- Kareem Hunt (KC): Led Chiefs backfield with Isiah Pacheco hurt with 78% snaps and 13 touches (11 carries), outpacing Smith (20% snaps), confirming lead role through bye, but Pacheco’s return looms.
- Chase Brown (CIN): Held 96% snaps after Samaje Perine’s injury with 25 touches (14 carries, 11 receptions), rebounding under Flacco for RB2 with RB1 upside in PPR
- Travis Etienne (JAC): Played 57% of snaps but had the highest usage rating of the week at 51.8. His role is not going anywhere, and Bhayshul Tuten may be a bit overhyped.
- Emari Demercado (ARI): Was the most impressive Cardinals back playing 40% of snaps and had 15 touches in the win over the Cowboys. Good stash until Trey Benson returns.
Wide Receivers
- Calvin Austin III (PIT): Led receiving (5-56) despite reduced 56% snaps (down from 82%), a volatile option with his ever-changing role despite his solid performance in Week 9.
- Chimere Dike (TEN): Hit 87% of snaps this past week + his play over the last three weeks makes him an intriguing WR4 to watch the rest of the way.
- Tyler Lockett (LV): Debuted as X receiver (reuniting with coach/QB) but had minimal production (1 target). Could see more volume after Jakobi Meyers’ trade, but Jack Bech will likely take more snaps in the slot.
- Quentin Johnston (LAC): Snap share has decreased to 68% and has struggled over the past few weeks. Trending towards an inconsistent WR4
- Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel (HOU): The Iowa State products did not build much on their success from last week. Noel finished with a 6.7 usage rating on 15% of snaps, and Higgins finished with a 3.1 on 48% of snaps.
- Jalen Coker (CAR): His snap share has risen every week for the last three weeks, and despite a quiet outing against Green Bay, he is a sneaky start against New Orleans this week.
Tight Ends
- Dalton Kincaid (BUF): Posted 35% snaps but 6-101-1 TD (37.5% route targets), high-risk TE1 with his snap share being very low for a TE1.
- Juwan Johnson (NO): Increased to 71% snaps with 4 targets. Has been much better since Tyler Shough took over and has flex appeal this week against Carolina
- Luke Musgrave (GB): Musgrave will take over as the primary TE in Green Bay after Tucker Kraft’s injury. In Week 9, he had 3 targets on 46% of snaps.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): Had a nice showing in the return of Lamar Jackson and saw his snap share jump to 50% even with a healthy Isaiah Likely. Expect him to be a viable streamer in favorable matchups
- Colston Loveland (CHI): Loveland played 81% of snaps for the second straight week, finishing with 29 fantasy points. Expect him to be a strong starter this week if Cole Kmet is out.
Loading
